1. Observe for Impulsive Behavior
While borderline personality disorder has several symptoms associated with it, one of the most obvious is impulsive behavior. Everyone is a little impulsive, but people with borderline personality disorder will impulsively engage in harmful acts. Binge eating and substance abuse are two of the least harmful behaviors, while driving recklessly or having unsafe sex with as many people as possible are on the more harmful end of the spectrum. To qualify for borderline personality disorder, a person must be impulsive in at least two of these areas.
2. Watch for Suicide Attempts
Another obvious symptom of borderline personality disorder is attempted suicide. If you suspect someone of being borderline, keep an eye on her and make sure she does not attempt to kill herself. If you do interrupt a suicide attempt, get help immediately, and make sure a mental health worker is notified. While other factors than borderline personality disorder can drive someone to commit suicide, all of them are serious enough that the victim should get immediate mental help.
3. Remember the Phrase
The symptoms of borderline personality disorder can be summed up by the mnemonic "Am Suicide." In this phrase, "Am" signifies feelings of Abandonment and an unstable Mood, while the word "Suicide" represents Suicidal tendencies, Unstable relationships, Impulsive behavior, poor anger Control, a disturbed Identity, Dissociative symptoms and feelings of Emptiness.
4. Get a Complete Physical Checkup
The first phase of testing begins with a complete physical checkup. In addition to the usual tests, the doctor will draw blood to screen it for toxins. Many people with borderline personality disorder also have substance abuse problems, while the side effects of some drugs may mimic being borderline.
5. Verify Symptoms With a Psychiatrist
After a list of the symptoms has been made and other causes have been ruled out, a psychologist or psychiatrist will perform a mental assessment, testing whether or not the symptoms match the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to provide a conclusive diagnosis.
Outside of the United States, the World Health Organization will test the symptoms against the International Classification of Diseases manual for the mental disorder called "Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder--Borderline Type."
